It all started in June 2019 when my cousin called me with some 'hot' gist. Her friend apparently knew this handsome Yoruba angel 😇 — emphasis on handsome — who had a good head on his shoulders and was single. My cousin asked if I was interested, and I casually replied, “I could be... but let me see what we're working with first.” Vetting is important, please! I asked for his Instagram handle (because, priorities 😏) and sent mine too. One scroll through his page and I thought, Okay God, I see what you're doing! He was fine and had this artistic flair that totally caught my eye. I was definitely intrigued! Not long after, Ayodeji reached out, and from our very first conversation, it felt like we'd known each other forever. We quickly realized we shared similar values — our faith in God, love for family, and selflessness. Those deep conversations made me even more drawn to him. A few weeks of talking non-stop (and maybe a little bit of stalking his Instagram some more 👀), we planned for him to visit me in the Bay. The very next week, Ayodeji asked me to be his girlfriend — and the rest, as they say, is history!

At the time, I was living in Bakersfield, surrounded by a wonderful Nigerian community and settling into life there. One relaxed weekend with friends, Toyin’s name came up in conversation. Intrigued, I decided to look her up on social media, and the moment I saw her, I was drawn in. Her radiant smile was the first thing that caught my eye—warm, effortless, and full of life. As I scrolled through her photos, I could feel her energy, a beautiful blend of grace and vibrance that was impossible to ignore. Without a second thought, I reached out, and from our very first conversation, something just clicked. Our exchanges were effortless, filled with laughter, curiosity, and a depth that made it easy to talk for hours. It wasn’t long before I knew I had to meet her in person. So, without hesitation, I did what any man in pursuit of something extraordinary would do—I drove over five hours to San Francisco just to see her. That first meeting was everything I had hoped for and more. Arike wasn’t just beautiful; she carried a kindness, a warmth, and a quiet strength that made me realize I had found something rare. From that day on, I knew she was someone I never wanted to be without. With her, I didn’t just find love—I found home.

Proposal Story After spending years together, navigating the ups and downs of life, and successfully surviving a long-distance relationship, it became clear that there was nowhere else we would rather be than with each other. Through every challenge, we proved time and again that our love was unshakable, our bond unbreakable. Arike and I are a formidable force together, and I realized there was nothing we couldn’t achieve as a team. It was only a matter of time before I took the next step, and I wanted it to be perfect. With the help of Arike’s family and friends, I planned a surprise proposal—one that would capture everything she means to me. The moment she walked into the beautifully decorated room, I could see the emotions wash over her face. As I got down on one knee and asked her to be my forever, the joy that radiated from her was indescribable. When she said YES, it wasn’t just an answer; it was the beginning of a lifetime together. That moment—seeing her happiness, knowing she was just as sure about us as I was—is one I will treasure forever.